Figure 42-20 shows part of the decay scheme of f^237 Np on a...

Figure $42-20$ shows part of the decay scheme of $f^{237}$ Np on a plot of mass number $A$ versus proton number $Z$ ; five lines that represent either alpha decay or beta-minus decay connect dots that represent isotopes. What is the isotope at the end of the five decays (as marked with a question mark in Fig. $42-20$ )?

Figure $42-20$ shows part of the decay scheme of $f^{237}$ Np on a plot
of mass number $A$ versus proton number $Z$ ; five lines that represent
either alpha decay or beta-minus decay connect dots that represent
isotopes. What is the isotope at the end of the five decays (as marked
with a question mark in Fig. $42-20$ )?

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Key Concepts

Alpha Decay

Alpha decay is a process in nuclear decay where an unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle (consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons). This decay mode decreases the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4, thus significantly altering the nucleus and its identity on any nuclear chart.

Beta-Minus Decay

Beta-minus decay is a process in which a neutron in an unstable nucleus is transformed into a proton, emitting an electron and an antineutrino. This process increases the atomic number by 1 without affecting the mass number, resulting in the transformation of one element into another.

Decay Chains

A decay chain is a series of radioactive decays that a parent nuclide undergoes to eventually form a stable or long-lived daughter nuclide. It involves sequential emissions (commonly alpha and beta decays) that alter the nucleus step-by-step along the chart of nuclides, often represented by connected lines between isotopes.

Isotopic Representation (Mass Number and Proton Number)

Isotopes are represented on a chart where the mass number (total nucleons) and proton number (atomic number) form a coordinate system. Understanding changes in these numbers due to different decay modes is essential for predicting the pathway and final product of a decay chain.

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